"I can't imagine how that could happen," he said, his lips twitching with his effort to hold in the smile.
"Not barred, no. But the encouragement is strong. More so if you've seen what that sort of leverage can do to an otherwise good man or woman. It's not that we're expected not to feel. The Chantry just wants our loyalty to them first and the safety of others. It's...easier...to be committed to that goal when it's somewhat impersonal." He pressed his lips together as he thought of how he wanted to put it.
"Without naming names, we have a few married Templars in our ranks, for example. Some of them parents. They're good Templars. They are, but they worry that their family life suffers. The thing is they're right. It does. They have to be so careful. Their careers suffer, too. I've seen it happen time and again. Family men and women are passed over for promotions, raises, opportunities. They're considered a risk. They are a risk. It's the hard truth."
His expression eased. He lifted a hand, the back of his index finger tracing down the line of her cheek. "Good to know that you already have me figured out in that respect. We could argue. It would only end in frustration on both sides, I imagine, and nothing would change. You'd still feel responsible, and I'd still worry."
no subject
"Not barred, no. But the encouragement is strong. More so if you've seen what that sort of leverage can do to an otherwise good man or woman. It's not that we're expected not to feel. The Chantry just wants our loyalty to them first and the safety of others. It's...easier...to be committed to that goal when it's somewhat impersonal." He pressed his lips together as he thought of how he wanted to put it.
"Without naming names, we have a few married Templars in our ranks, for example. Some of them parents. They're good Templars. They are, but they worry that their family life suffers. The thing is they're right. It does. They have to be so careful. Their careers suffer, too. I've seen it happen time and again. Family men and women are passed over for promotions, raises, opportunities. They're considered a risk. They are a risk. It's the hard truth."
His expression eased. He lifted a hand, the back of his index finger tracing down the line of her cheek. "Good to know that you already have me figured out in that respect. We could argue. It would only end in frustration on both sides, I imagine, and nothing would change. You'd still feel responsible, and I'd still worry."